Nury Turkel
Uyghur-American Commissioner Attorney Author and Activist in Alexandria, Virgnia
Nury Turkel has established himself as a prominent attorney, author, and advocate, focusing significantly on U.S.-China relations and human rights. His career encompasses nearly two decades of impactful work at the convergence of law, business, and human rights advocacy, making him a respected figure in these fields.
Turkel's pioneering efforts are well-recognized. He is the first Uyghur attorney to be educated in the U.S. and holds the unique distinction of being a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His roles extend to being a Senior Advisor at the Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy and a member of the Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative Advisory Board.
As a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Turkel specializes in national security, foreign policy, and the impact of emerging technologies and digital authoritarianism on civil liberties. His essays and analyses have been published in leading journals and newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal and TIME, and he is a frequent commentator on international news outlets, including CNN and BBC.
In 2020, TIME recognized Turkel as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World," a testament to his global influence. The following year, he was featured in Fortune Magazine's 50 Greatest Leaders list and honored with the Notre Dame Prize for Religious Liberty, reflecting his advocacy for human rights and freedom. In 2022, Turkel received the Global Soul Award from Jewish World Watch for his continuous human rights efforts.
Turkel is also an accomplished public speaker, often invited as a keynote speaker at international forums. He is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Turkish, and various Central Asian languages, facilitating his engagement with a diverse global audience.
His landmark book, "No Escape," details the ongoing persecution of the Uyghurs in China, bringing attention to their plight through its award-winning narrative. This book earned him the "2023 Moore Prize for Human Rights Writing," celebrating his commitment to documenting human rights abuses.
In his professional capacity, Turkel excels in global corporate compliance and internal investigations, focusing on compliance with U.S. and international legal standards. He serves as Compliance Officer and Counsel for Ericsson, spearheading global compliance initiatives.
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